NEWTON -- An attendant at the entrance to the Hess station on Route 206 North was holding a sign Thursday that read, "Gas line forms on 206 only."

At 11:30 a.m., that line stretched back about 70 cars and several blocks to the Spring Street intersection.

Those waiting in line, despite the inconvenience of a long wait, at least ended up with gas.

By 5 p.m., the station had run out.

Throughout Sussex County, the search for gas -- and the fear of not finding any and being stranded at home, or worse, on the road -- was becoming an escalating concern as long lines formed at all operational stations.

While with each passing day power will be restored to more places in the county, that is no solace to someone running low on gas who is worried about not being able to get to work.

An improbable, false rumor -- debunked by County Administrator John Eskilson -- spread about an impending restriction of gas sales only to emergency responders and other officials.

"There's absolutely no credibility to any of those statements or rumors. That's not even in anybody's wildest dreams," Eskilson said.

Eskilson said there is hope that Gov. Chris Christie's issuance of a waiver allowing gas stations to purchase out-of-state gas and diesel will increase access.

Christie has also urged employers to use discretion in terms of letting employees work from home or making other arrangements.

Tammie Horsfield, president of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, said Thursday afternoon that just over half of gas stations in the county were without power.

"While there is plenty of gas production, there seems to be logistical issues in transporting the gas to available stations. It is anticipated to take approximately one week before gas stations begin receiving normal deliveries," she said.

Meanwhile, the state Division of Consumer Affairs was pledging to investigate hundreds of complaints of alleged illegal price-gouging, including some in Sussex County.

Consumer Affairs spokesman Neal Buccino said gas pricing was the top source of complaints, adding, "We'll be conducting site visits and collecting evidence."

Earlier Thursday at the Newton Hess station, motorists with the foresight to bring their own gas containers managed a quicker way to the pumps. Two of the eight pumps in operation were reserved for customers who parked nearby and walked over with their containers.

That line was much shorter, consisting of about 15 people.

Most appeared to be getting gas -- $3.55 per gallon for regular -- for generators, but at least one clever customer was unloading his container directly into his truck's gas tank.

Mike Whittle, of Green, said he filled four 5-gallon containers. He said his generator holds 7 gallons and lasts for up to 13 hours.

Whittle said since he runs it only during the day, he bought about four days' worth.

He mused that the current shortage is "probably not as bad" as what he experienced during the 1970s, when some stations imposed a $3-per-customer limit.

"That was just about enough to get to work and back," he said.

As Whittle spoke, a man parked his truck on Route 206 South and sprinted across with his container. The attendant with the sign shouted a warning that he was parking illegally and would get a ticket. At that, the man returned to his truck.

Those waiting in their cars in the gas line included Marilyn Mantani, an employee of Newton Medical Center.

Mantani, who said she was able to take a shower Thursday morning at the hospital, was in an upbeat mood despite the stressful wait, and boredom.

"I've had a few people cut in front of me," she said in a resigned, what-can-you-do tone.

Mantani, while being interviewed, took a brief break to pull up as the line crept forward.

She expressed one regret: "I'm so mad at myself that I didn't bring a book."

Other drivers in line were finding ways to distract themselves. One was observed texting, while another was reading something on her mobile phone. Another had a book balanced on the steering wheel.

Jennifer Delaney, of Highland Lakes, and her fiance, James Saccomondo, were about 20 cars ahead on the line.

Both happened to be in the area and figured they'd fill up, since Delaney said she did not know of any open gas stations near her home.

Saccomondo, like the other drivers, appeared resigned to doing something that would have been unthinkable pre-hurricane: Waiting on a gas line.